Rhododendron rugosum

Rhododendron rugosum is a species of rhododendron native to Borneo. It is found in the high mountains, including Mount Kinabalu, in Sabah state of northeastern Borneo.

Description
Rhododendron rugosum is a shrub or small tree which grows up to 8 metres in height. It grows as an epiphyte or as a terrestrial plant.

Range and habitat
Rhododendron rugosum has two subspecies. Rhododendron rugosum var. rugosum grows on Mount Kinabalu, Mount Trus Madi, and Mount Alab in Sabah, with an uncertain record of occurrence on Mount Murud in Sarawak. Rhododendron rugosum var. laeve is found only on Mount Kinabalu. The species' extent of occurrence (EOO) is approximately 6,968 km2.

It is native to upper montane rain forest and subalpine shrubland and alpine meadows from 2,000 to 3,500 metres elevation. It grows in varying habitats, from shady locations in low mossy forests to sunny exposed locations on rocky ridges.

Conservation
Rhododendron rugosum lives at high elevations where deforestation is limited, and part of its range is in protected areas including Kinabalu Park. Its conservation status is assessed as Least Concern.